The Factory presents
Stage Fright
October 26-30, 2022
The Avalon Theatre
Overview
By Casey Rauch
Directed by Cecile Storm
For decades, the ghost of the Avalon has fascinated theatergoers of all ages. Transporting back to 1927 for an immersive experience that reveals a unique glimpse into what could have been, Stage Fright is the story of Marguerite, the tragic showgirl and ghost of the Avalon. Follow her descent into madness as the twisted underworld of the theatre swirls around her. Expect the unexpected in this dark and thrilling tale of prohibition, love, grief, and ghosts.
When a fire destroyed the Avalon Hotel in 1922, it was rebuilt bigger and better than ever. Five years later, Marguerite Gardot and the world-famous Beauty Shop Quartet were booked for a show that never happened.
Just moments before showtime, Marguerite began acting erratically and refused to take the stage. This had become the norm, not the exception.
Meanwhile, the Beauty Shop Quartet’s manager was faced with the impossible decision of moving on to save his own career or continuing to tread water with a group that was destined for failure. His co-stars tried to be supportive, but even they couldn’t get past the fact that Marguerite’s baby went missing, and nobody could get a straight answer as to how, where, or why. As Marguerite’s lifeless body collapsed out of the hotel’s ominous elevator from an ‘apparent suicide’, the fate of the Beauty Shop Quartet was sealed.*
Decades later, a string of mysterious deaths proves that the ghost of the Avalon may never be satisfied. The Hotel was nicknamed “The Murder House” and Marguerite’s spirit continues to take the blame. Was Sweet, Sweet Marguerite really pure evil, or is this all just a case of spiritual mistaken identity?
Cast
Marguerite Gardot – Jennifer Madino
Cecile Howard – Cavin Moore
Lou Baker – Casey Rauch
Vivian Trainor – Madeline Megahan
Minnie Valentine – Jess Newell
Shirley Boudreau – Grace Vorosmarti
Gloria Steiner – Dale Rauch
Alistair Cromwell – Clay Owens
Frankie, the Bartender – Jaime Windon
Mr. Howard – Steve Ford
Alice Baker, Lou’s Niece – Sarah Kilmon
Roxy, the Illustrated Woman – Jess Hensley
Chuckles, the Clown – Noah Thompson
Coco, the Clown – Angela Kopp
The Nun – Katie Cox
Officer Volstead – Alan Ibanez
Winslow Howard, the Drunk – Tim Weigand
Bubbles, the Clown – Tyler Henry
Gorgonzola, the Mermaid – Heena Paracha
Joey, the Musician – Shea Springer
Reporter – Tori Paxon
Mayor of Easton – Bob Willey
Detective – Ray Nissen
Creative Team
Director – Cecile Storm
Playwright – Casey Rauch
Stage Manager – Tori Paxon
Music & Sound Direction – Shea Springer
Set & Production Design – Maggii Sarfaty
Costume Design – Kate Levey
Props Mistress – Mary Ann Nissen
Lighting Design – Cecile Storm
Acting Coach – Tim Weigand
Choreography – Cavin Moore
Projections – Nick Richards
Dresser – Jasmine Paxon
Production Photos
Photography by Cecile Storm
